What is Faslodex (Fulvestrant)?

Fulvestrant is an anti-estrogen medication. It works by blocking the actions of estrogen in the body. Certain types of breast cancer use estrogen to grow and multiply in the body.
Fulvestrant is used to treat some hormone-related breast cancer. Fulvestrant is also used in postmenopausal women whose breast cancer has progressed after treatment with other anti-estrogen medication.
Fulvestrant may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Faslodex (Fulvestrant)?

Do not receive fulvestrant without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Before you receive fulvestrant, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, thrombocytopenia (a low level of platelets in your blood), or if you are taking a blood thinner such as Coumadin.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your fulvestrant injection.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Faslodex (Fulvestrant)?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to fulvestrant, or if you are pregnant.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive this medication:

• liver disease
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; or
• thrombocytopenia (a low level of platelets in the blood)

FDA pregnancy category D. Fulvestrant can cause harm to an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not receive fulvestrant without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether fulvestrant passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Faslodex Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Faslodex (Fulvestrant)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious side effects may include:

• headache, back pain
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
• constipation, diarrhea
• sore throat, cough
• weakness
• warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin
• loss of appetite
• swelling in your hands or feet
• unusual vaginal bleeding
• hot flashes; or
• mild pain or swelling where the medicine was injected

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Faslodex Interactions

What other drugs affect Faslodex (Fulvestrant)?

Before you receive fulvestrant, tell your doctor if you are taking a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with fulvestrant. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Faslodex (Fulvestrant)?

Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity during treatment.

Faslodex Dosage

How should I take Faslodex (Fulvestrant)?

Fulvestrant is given as an injection into a muscle of your buttock. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Fulvestrant is usually given once a month. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

What happens if I overdose on Faslodex (Fulvestrant)?

Since fulvestrant is given by a healthcare professional, an overdose is not likely to occur.
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.
Symptoms of a fulvestrant overdose are not known.

What happens if I miss a dose of Faslodex (Fulvestrant)?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your fulvestrant injection.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com